The life of the 12 apostles. Twelve Apostles of Christ: names and deeds
Jesus Christ had exactly as many apostles as there were 12 clans (tribes) of Israel. All 12 of Christ’s apostles were simple people and most of them made their living by fishing. All the main messengers of Christ are immigrants from Israel. Christ gave each of the 12 apostles a name that characterized his inner essence and clearly reflected the character of the Saint.
The 12 apostles of Christ, whose names will forever go down in the history of Christianity, lived a difficult life, were repeatedly subjected to torture and persecution, and died a martyr’s death.
All 12 of Christ's apostles were simple people
Peter
One of the first disciples of Jesus whom He called to follow him. Peter was born into the family of an ordinary fisherman Jonah and received the name Simon. The apostle subsequently received the name “Peter” from Christ, who, looking at him, named him Cephas, which means “stone” in translation from Aramaic. In Greek, this name sounded like “Peter”.
Before meeting Christ, the apostle was married and raised 2 children. His character was characterized by his temper. He was an ordinary man who made his living by fishing. According to one version, Peter met Jesus while fishing with his brother Andrew.
One of the first disciples of Jesus whom He called to follow him
Peter was one of Christ's most beloved disciples. When he saw Jesus walking on the water, he began to run towards him across the surface of the sea. But having come to his senses and doubting his faith and that such a thing was possible, he began to drown. Christ saved him, reproaching him for his lack of faith.
After the arrest of Jesus Christ, Peter, fearing for his life, showed weakness and denied his teacher three times. Subsequently, the apostle greatly repented and was forgiven by the Lord.
Peter was one of Christ's most beloved disciples
Throughout his entire earthly life, the Apostle Peter preached Christianity, taught the laws of God to people and converted them to faith. After Peter's sermons, thousands of people joined the Christian community. He received the gift of healing the sick and raising the dead.
Peter died a martyr's death in Rome. He was crucified on the cross upside down - this is what the apostle of Jesus himself wished, considering himself unworthy to die just like his teacher.
First prayer
About the supreme Apostle: Peter, the steadfast exponent of the faith of Christ, and Paul, the sweet-talking gusset of the teachings of the Lord! We see you, like a multi-flowing river of the legends of Christ’s words, flowing from the true bowels of God and revealing the entire depth of the well of God-revealed truths to us, who thirst for them. We see you, like luminaries, from the sky currents of warmth of divine love that make clear to us: we please you, who have accepted labors and sweats, in the hedgehog of all the divine teachings of the seeds: we kiss your feet, flowing around the ends of the earth, and in the trembling of sin we see your heads, humbly bowing to to the most pure feet of the Lord: one by the way of the cross (by hanging) and the other by beheading with a sword. We tenderly ask you, holy Apostles, to make us more sinful before our Teacher, the Lord, to cut off the pride of our head with the revealed teaching: may the Lord satisfy our spiritual hunger with food, indicated from heaven itself, like Peter: - but you, Paul, are saturated with God Christ’s words, strive to raise us to the third heaven with your unceasing prayers for us to the Lord, so that we there too may glorify from the faces of the angels and apostles the wondrous Father of all in our saints, and He who was sent into the world to save and guide us to eternal life, the Lord Jesus Christ , and the Holy Spirit consubstantial with Him. Amen.
Second prayer
O glorification of the apostles Peter and Paul, who gave up their souls for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children's prayers and sighs, now offered by your brokenhearted hearts. Because we are darkened by lawlessness and for this reason we are covered with troubles, like clouds, but with the oil of a good life we are greatly impoverished and we are not able to resist the predatory wolf who is boldly trying to plunder the heritage of God. O strength! Bear our infirmities, do not separate from us in spirit, so that we will not be separated from the love of God in the end, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on all of us, for the sake of your prayers, may He destroy the handwriting immeasurable sins ours and may he, together with all the saints, be worthy of the blessed Kingdom and Marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen.
Prayer three
Holy Supreme Apostle Peter, the rock of faith, on Christ, the cornerstone, established in the Church by confession! Pray, and I, always shaken by intelligent thoughts and carnal lusts, on that same Christ, the living, chosen, honest Stone, ordained by faith, I am always fulfilled by love in a spiritual temple, in a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices to God to Jesus Christ. Holy Supreme Apostle Paul, chosen vessel of Christ, full of the grace and glory of God! Pray to the Creator who has power over creation, that I, now a destroyed vessel, will create for Himself a vessel in honor, sanctified and useful, prepared for every good thing. Amen.
Prayer four
O Saint Peter, great apostle, self-witness and co-host of God, by the omnipotent right hand of your Teacher received from the troubled waters and freed from the final drowning! Do not forget us poor ones (names), mired in the mire of sins and overwhelmed by the waves of the sea of life: give us your strong hand, help us and keep us from drowning in passions, lusts, lies and slander. Do with us the mercy shown to you by the Lord, so that we do not give in to doubt and lack of faith. Teach us, our teacher, to shed tears of repentance, so that we weep bitterly for our deeds in this world. And if your tears, poured out in repentance, are covered by His mercy, the Lord and your Teacher, ask for us, with apostolic boldness, forgiveness for our hourly sin. May we live a quiet and silent life in this world until the hour when the Lord, our impartial Judge, may call us to the age. But you, O all-praised apostle, do not reject our cry and groaning to you, but intercede for us before Christ, your Teacher, so that we may continually glorify His mercy towards us, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Fifth prayer
O holy great Apostle Peter! Do not reject me, your servant (name) and my groaning towards you. Look at me, who am in sickness and sorrow, ask Christ, your Teacher, (the content of the petition), so that we may continually glorify His mercy towards us, together with the Father and the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.
Andrey
Andrew was the first of the 12 apostles who followed Christ - this explains his name - Andrew the First-Called. During the earthly life of Jesus Christ, he followed the teacher everywhere, accompanying him. After Christ was crucified on the cross on the day of Holy Pentecost, like the other apostles, the Holy Spirit descended on Andrew, and he received the gift of healing.
Andrei preached and brought the Christian faith to people living on the Black Sea coast and further to the north. It was this territory that fell to Andrew after the apostles cast lots, choosing lands where they would introduce people to the Christian faith.
Andrew was the first of the 12 apostles
Just like his Teacher Andrei accepted martyrdom, hanging for two days on an oblique cross. But even there he continued to preach, talking about humility and faith. Since then, such a cross has been called St. Andrew’s.
Prayer to Apostle Andrew the First-Called
First-called Apostle of God and our Savior Jesus Christ, supreme follower of the Church, all-validated Andrew, we glorify and magnify your apostolic works, we sweetly remember your blessed coming to us, we bless your honorable suffering, which you endured for Christ, we kiss your sacred relics, we honor your holy memory and we believe, for the Lord lives, and your soul is alive and dwells with Him forever in Heaven, where you love us with the same love with which you loved us, when through the Holy Spirit you saw our turn to Christ, and not just love, but even pray to God for us, all our needs in His Light are in vain. This is how we believe and this is how we confess our faith in the temple, also in your name, Saint Andrew, gloriously created, where your holy relics rest; Believers, we ask and pray to the Lord and God and our Savior Jesus Christ, that through your prayers, who always listens and accepts, will give us everything we need for the salvation of us sinners; Yes, just like you, according to the voice of the Lord, leave your surroundings, you unswervingly followed him, and let everyone from us seek not his own, but let him think about the creation of his neighbor and about the heavenly calling. Having you as an intercessor and prayer book for us, we trust that my prayer can accomplish much before our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, to Him belongs all glory, honor and worship with the Father and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
John Zavedeev
This apostle of Christ is known under the name of John the Theologian, whose actions made a huge contribution to bringing the true religion to people. He followed Christ along with his brother, leaving everything he had when Jesus called him along while fishing. The apostle received his name from Christ for his masterful use of words and a keen sense of justice.
John the Theologian was one of the three apostles who witnessed the miracle of the resurrection of a dead young girl, done by Jesus Christ. Christ instructed him to take care of the Virgin Mary during her lifetime. John the Theologian preached in Asia Minor.
His disciple Prokhor accompanied him in his sermons. Just like the other apostles, he was endowed with special power to perform miracles, which John did during his sermons.
John the Theologian is the only one of the apostles who died own death
John the Theologian is the only one of the apostles who died his own death. During the persecution of Christians, they repeatedly tried to subject him to martyrdom, but all attempts were unsuccessful: each time the apostle remained alive. Even while in exile on an island in the Aegean Sea, he continued to preach and convert a large number of people to faith.
The apostle died at the end of the 1st century. He is the only one among the apostles who lived on earth for a long time and was a living witness of Christ. The original apostles died much earlier.
First prayer
O great apostle, loud evangelist, most graceful theologian,
seer of the secrets of ineffable revelations, virgin and beloved confidant of Christ, John!Accept us, sinners, who come running under your strong intercession.
Ask the All-Generous Lover of Mankind, Christ our God,
Who, before your eyes, poured out His Blood for us, His profane servants,
May He not remember our iniquities, but may He have mercy on us and deal with us according to His mercy:
after the end of our temporary life from the merciless torturers in the air ordeals
May he deliver us, and so may we reach, led and covered by you, the Mountain of Jerusalem,
You have seen His glory in revelation, but now you enjoy endless joys.O great John!
Save all Christian cities and countries, this temple, those serving and praying in it, from famine,
destruction, cowardice and flood, fire and sword, invasion of foreigners and internecine warfare;
deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes and with your prayers turn away from us the righteous wrath of God,
and ask His mercy for us, so that together with you we will be worthy to glorify in the non-evening days
the most holy name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Second prayer
O great and all-praised apostle and evangelist John the Theologian, confidant of Christ,
our warm intercessor and quick helper in sorrows!Beg the Lord God to grant us forgiveness of all our sins,
we have sinned so much from our youth throughout our entire life
deed, word, thought and all our feelings;
at the end of our souls, help us sinners (names) to get rid of airy ordeals
and eternal torment, may we glorify with your merciful intercession
Father and Son and Holy Spirit, now and ever and unto ages of ages. Amen.
Prayer three
O great and incomprehensible God!
Behold, we offer You Saint John for our supplication, whom You have vouchsafed with ineffable revelations; accept intercession for us, grant us the fulfillment of our petitions for Your glory,
rather, make us spiritually perfect for pleasure,
endless life in Your Heavenly abodes!O Heavenly Father, who created all the Lord, the All-Powerful King!
Touch our hearts with grace, so that, melting like wax, mortal creation will be shed before You
the spiritual will be created in honor and glory of Thy, and of Thy Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Philip
Even before the coming of Jesus, Phillip was a deeply religious man and awaited the coming of the Messiah. Having met Christ, who called him to follow Him, the apostle did not hesitate to follow him, becoming one of the 12 followers of Jesus and adding to the list of names of people whose deeds entered eternity.
When Phillip, at one of the suppers, asked Jesus to show them His Father, the Lord was surprised that, after spending so much time with Him, Phillip still did not know Him.
Apostle Philip
After the execution of Christ, Phillip preached in the northern territories of Asia Minor. He was endowed with the ability to heal people from various diseases, which he repeatedly demonstrated during his preaching activities.
Phillip died crucified on a cross. The pagans sentenced him and another apostle to death. During his execution, a miracle occurred that made many people believe in Christ. On the cross, Phillip prayed fervently and suddenly an earthquake occurred. Seeing the miracle that happened before their eyes, people believed in Christ and demanded the release of those crucified on the cross. When they took Phillip down from the cross, he was already dead.
First prayer
Oh, glorious Apostle Philip, who gave up his soul for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children's prayers and sighs, now offered with a broken heart. Because we are darkened by lawlessness, and for this reason we are covered with troubles, like clouds, but with the oil of a good life we are greatly impoverished, and we are not able to resist the predatory wolf who is boldly trying to plunder the heritage of God. O strong one! Bear our infirmities, do not separate from us in spirit, so that we may not be separated in the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on all of us for your prayers for the sake of, may He destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins, and may He be honored with all the Saints of the blessed The kingdom and marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen.
Second prayer
O holy Apostle of Christ Phillip! We pray to you: save and protect us with your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin, and ask us, the servants of God (names), from above for help in times of despondency, so that we may not stumble over the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of Christ’s commandments, until we reach these blessed ones abodes of heaven. Hey, Apostle Spasov! Do not disgrace us, but be our helper and protector in all our lives and help us end this temporary life in a pious and godly manner, receive a Christian death and be honored with a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; Let us glorify the magnificent name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Bartholomew
Bartholomew is one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ who left his father’s home and went to bring Christianity to the masses. The Apostle Phillip led him to Jesus. Bartholomew, having learned that Christ was from Nazareth, at first treated Him with distrust. But when Jesus told Bartholomew that he had seen him even before they met in person, the apostle believed that this was the Son of God.
After the death of Christ, Bartholomew preached in Syria and Asia Minor together with the Apostle Phillip. It was he who was lucky to remain alive after he and the Apostle Phillip were crucified on the cross.
Apostle Bartholomew
But the fear of being subjected to cruel torture again did not stop him, and he continued to preach further. Bartholomew followed to India, where he converted many pagans to Christ. Then he visited the lands of Greater Armenia, where he healed the daughter of a local king from demonic possession.
In gratitude, the king and his entire family converted to Christianity. But despite the numerous miracles that Bartholomew performed and the power of his preaching, the resistance of the pagans was quite strong; many did not want to listen to the words of the apostles and saw in them only enemies encroaching on the existing religion.
The king's brother, whose daughter Bartholomew saved, did not like what the apostle was doing. By his order, Bartholomew was captured and his fate repeated: he was again crucified on the cross. But even there he continued to bring the good news and glorify the Lord.
The king's enraged brother then ordered, in addition to everything else, to tear off Bartholomew's skin and cut off his head. This event took place on the modern territory of Baku. Believers buried his remains in a tin shrine. The relics of the saint were transported from one place to another more than once. But not only were they not lost, despite various situations, threatening the loss of the remains of the apostle, but also showed multiple miracles. Thus, the relics of the apostle flowed myrrh, with the help of which people were healed from many diseases.
O glorious Apostle of Christ Bartholomew, who gave up his soul for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children's prayers and sighs, now offered by your brokenhearted hearts. We are therefore darkened by lawlessness, and for this reason we are covered with troubles, like clouds, but the oil of the good life is greatly impoverished, and we are not able to resist the predatory wolf, who boldly strives to plunder the heritage of God.
Oh, strong! Bear our infirmities, do not separate from us in spirit, so that we may not be separated in the end from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on all of us for your prayers for the sake of, may He destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins, and may He be honored with all the saints of the blessed The kingdom and marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship forever and ever. Amen.
Jacob Zavedeev
Jacob is the brother of John the Theologian. He was also called by the Lord to bring the Gospel to the masses. James was among those apostles (Peter and John) who witnessed the miracles performed by Christ on Mount Tabor and the Garden of Gethsemane, as well as when Jesus raised the daughter of Jairus.
After the Holy Spirit came upon him, he preached in Spain and other countries. Then Jacob returned to Jerusalem again. Unable to resist the word of the apostle's sermon, ardent opponents of Christianity asked the philosopher Hermogenes to enter into a dispute with James and refute his teaching about Christ.
Jacob Zavedeev
Hermogenes sent his disciple to the apostle. But he was unable to resist the truthful, sincere words of Jacob and accepted Christianity. Moreover, Hermogenes himself soon also accepted the Christian faith.
But the pagans did not give up, and King Herod became their new weapon in the fight against the preaching of the Apostle. He condemned Jacob of Zebedee to death, which the apostle accepted with calmness and sincere faith in Christ. The apostle was beheaded in 44 AD.
O great and beloved Apostle of Christ James!
Accept us, sinners, who come running under your strong intercession.
Ask the All-Generous Lover of Mankind, Christ our God, and
But before your hair is His blood for us, His profane servants,
Thou hast poured out, that our iniquities may not be remembered,
but may He have mercy on us and deal with us according to His mercy:
May He grant us mental and physical health, all prosperity and abundance,
instructing us to turn it to the glory of Him, our Creator, Savior and God,
after the end of our temporary life from the merciless torturers
may he deliver us through the ordeals of the air, and so may we achieve,
led and covered by you, the mountainous Jerusalem. O great Jacob!
Save all Christian cities and countries, this temple,
serving and praying in it, from famine, destruction, cowardice and flood,
fire and sword, invasions of foreigners and internecine warfare;
deliver us from all troubles and misfortunes and through your prayers
turn away the righteous wrath of God from us, and ask for His mercy for us,
may we, together with you, be worthy to glorify in the eveningless days
Most Holy Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
Amen.
Thomas
Unlike his fellow apostles, no one called Thomas. He was the first to hear Christ's preaching and followed him. Jesus, seeing his sincere and devoted faith, called Thomas to follow Him everywhere. So Thomas became one of the 12 apostles.
The famous expression “Doubting Thomas” is directly related to the name of one of the 12 apostles. Thomas did not believe in the resurrection of Christ. Only after Jesus appeared to the apostles on the 8th day after his death, Thomas believed in the miracle of the resurrection, exclaiming “My Lord.”
Apostle Thomas
After the death of Christ, Thomas preached in India and suffered martyrdom: his body was pierced with five stakes.
Oh, holy Apostle Fomo! We pray to you: save and protect us with your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin, and ask us, the servants of God (names), from above for help in times of unbelief, so that we do not stumble over the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach them blessed abodes of heaven. Hey, Apostle Spasov! Do not disgrace us, but be our helper and protector in all our lives and help us end this temporary life in a pious and godly manner, receive a Christian death and be honored with a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ; Let us glorify the magnificent name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Matthew
Before meeting Jesus, Matthew, one of Christ's twelve apostles, was a tax collector. He left his earthly work and followed Jesus, listening to his preaching. After the death of Christ, he preached in Palestine.
Before leaving Jerusalem, Matthew wrote the Gospel. He ended his earthly life in Ethiopia, where he converted several idolaters to the Faith and built a temple.
The ruler of Ethiopia, who was an opponent of Matthew's preaching, ordered the apostle to be executed and burned at the stake. But when Matthew was set on fire, the flames did not harm him. Then the king repented and began to ask the saint for mercy. Through Matthew’s prayer, the fire went out and the apostle departed to another world. Subsequently, the Ethiopian king accepted the Christian faith.
Oh, glorious Apostle Matthew, who gave up his soul for Christ and fertilized His pasture with your blood! Hear your children's prayers and sighs, now offered by your brokenhearted hearts. Because we are darkened by lawlessness, and for this reason we are covered with troubles, like clouds, but with the oil of a good life we are greatly impoverished, and we are not able to resist the predatory wolf who is boldly trying to plunder the heritage of God.
O strong one! Bear our infirmities, do not separate from us in spirit, so that we will not be separated from the love of God, but protect us with your strong intercession, may the Lord have mercy on us all for your prayers, may He destroy the handwriting of our immeasurable sins, and may He be honored with all the Saints of the blessed The kingdom and marriage of His Lamb, to Him be honor and glory, and thanksgiving and worship, forever and ever. Amen
Jacob Alfeev
He was one of the 12 apostles of Christ and was the brother of the Apostle Matthew. He preached, after the descent of the Holy Spirit on him, together with St. Andrew the First-Called, and then independently in the territory of Southern Palestine. There are several versions of his martyrdom. According to one of them, he was stoned, according to the other, he was crucified on a cross.
Troparion to the Apostle James Alpheus
Holy Apostle James,/ pray to the Merciful God,/ may forgiveness of sins// be granted to our souls.
Translation: Apostle Saint James, pray to the Merciful God that he may grant forgiveness to our souls for our sins.
Kontakion to Apostle James Alpheus
Who firmly implanted the wisdom of the dogmas in the souls of the pious/ with praises, let us please all Jacob as the Prophet of God:/ For the throne of glory stands before the Master/ and with all the angels rejoices,// praying for unceasing about all of us.
Jacob Alfeev
Translation: Having firmly implanted the wisdom of dogmas in the souls of the pious, let us all glorify Jacob as the preacher of God, for standing before the Throne of the glory of the Master, he rejoices with all the angels, praying unceasingly for all of us.
Simon Zealot
It was in the house of the Apostle Simon that Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine, which increased exactly as much as there were guests. The amazed Simon believed in Jesus and followed him, becoming one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, the list of whose names is always remembered Christian church. He preached in Egypt, Judea, and Libya. He was crucified on a cross in Abkhazia.
Simon Zolt
Kontakion, voice 2:
It is known by the wisdom of the teaching in the souls of the pious that we will please him in praise, like the God-speaking Simon: For now he stands before the Throne of Glory and rejoices with the Bodiless, praying unceasingly for all of us.
Holy glorious and all-praised Apostle of Christ Simon, who was deemed worthy to receive into your home in Cana of Galilee our Lord Jesus Christ and His Most Pure Mother, our Lady Theotokos, and to be an eyewitness to the glorious miracle of Christ, revealed on your brother, turning water into wine! We pray to you with faith and love: beg Christ the Lord to transform our souls from sin-loving to God-loving; save and protect us with your prayers from the temptations of the devil and the falls of sin and ask us from above for help during our despondency and helplessness, so that we may not stumble over the stone of temptation, but steadily walk the saving path of the commandments of Christ, until we reach the abodes of paradise, where you now reside and rejoice . Hey, Apostle Spasov! Do not disgrace us, who firmly trust in you, but be our helper and protector in all our lives and help us end this temporary life in a pious and godly manner, receive a good and peaceful Christian death and be honored with a good answer at the Last Judgment of Christ, so that we escape the ordeals of the air and the power of the fierce ruler of the world, we will inherit the Kingdom of Heaven and glorify the magnificent Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Judas Iscariot
The name of one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, Judas, was remembered by Christians forever and became negative. He held the position of treasurer in the community, monitoring income and expenses from the box in which the sacrifices were placed. Judas betrayed Jesus Christ, pointing him out to the high priests, for a payment of 30 pieces of silver. There are several versions of his death.
According to the first source, Judas hanged himself on an aspen tree after his betrayal. According to the second version, he died at a very old age from illness. After the ascension of Christ, Matthias was chosen to replace Judas.
Judas Thaddeus
This name was borne by one of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ. Judas Thaddeus, also known as Lebway, was the brother of Jacob Alphaeus. At the Last Supper, Judas Thaddeus asked Jesus about the coming resurrection. He preached in the area:
- Palestine;
- Arabia;
- Mesopatamia;
- Syria.
Judas Thaddeus
Died in the 2nd half of the 1st century AD. e. martyrdom in Armenia. Presumably the grave of the apostle is located on the territory of an Armenian monastery located in modern Iran.
O Saint Jude - Thaddeus, who was worthy to belong to the family of the Savior, Holy Virgin Mary and Saint Joseph, I resort to You through sacred heart Jesus, I want to bring glory to God for the caresses given to You. Falling on my knees, I humbly ask You through the Sacred Heart of Jesus, look upon me mercifully, do not despise my humble request, so that trust may not be shaken. God has given you kindness that you come to people with help in hopeless circumstances. Oh, come to me with help, so that I can magnify the mercy of God forever and ever. Amen.
Veneration of the Apostles
IN Orthodox Church For each of the names of the apostles, with the exception of Judas Iscariot, a day of remembrance was established. There is also a day when the memory of all 12 apostles of Jesus Christ is honored. To venerate the saints, there is an icon of the 12 apostles.
Many people know that Jesus had disciples, and among them were those who constantly walked with him. What were the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ? The names are often given in this order: Simon Peter, Andrew, James and John, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Matthew, James, Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas Iscariot. Being chosen apostles, during the life of Jesus they remained his disciples. Many had previously been disciples of John the Baptist. Interestingly, from the Greek language, the word “apostle” means “to send.” Thus, Jesus is also an apostle, according to Hebrews 3:1. And now about each apostle in more detail.
Apostle Simon Peter
If you look at the list of names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, the first one is most often called Peter. He had 5 names: Simeon, Simon, Peter, double Simon Peter and Cephas. His homeland is Bethsaida, from where he later moved to Capernaum. Together with his brother Andrei, Peter connected his life with fishing. In his work, the future apostle did not strive to be a lone fisherman, but collaborated with James and John. Peter had a mother-in-law, with whom he lived in the same house, and a wife. It is known about his wife that she accompanied Peter on his later travels, but by no means always.
Although the apostle Peter's misdeeds were known to many, Jesus did not consider him inferior to others. The name he gave Simon meant "rock." After the death of his teacher, Peter really helped many, being a support for them. Jesus Christ often chose several disciples to accompany him. Peter was among them and saw with his own eyes the resurrection of Jairus’s daughter, the transfiguration of the teacher, and the events in the Garden of Gethsemane. By nature, he was rather energetic, decisive, asked questions and often succumbed to the first impulse. So, he is one of the 12 apostles of Christ who followed him after his arrest. The initiative led to the wrong result, but he courageously listened to advice and accepted it.
Apostle Andrew
Andrew is the second of Christ's 12 apostles in order, whose names are recorded in Luke 6:13-16. He was the brother of Peter and the son of John. Before becoming Jesus' disciple, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist and heard his teacher call Jesus "the Lamb of God." He followed Jesus and began to listen to him, and then returned for his brother to tell him that he had found the Messiah. After 6 months or even a year, both return to fishing, but after Jesus chooses them, they drop everything and follow him.
Andrey is not as energetic as Peter, but he was directly involved in solving organizational issues. For example, he named exactly what food was available when he needed to feed 5,000 people. Or when the question arose about the Greeks (they wanted to see Jesus), Andrew first consulted with Philip, and after that he approached Jesus.
Apostle James, son of Zebedee
Two of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ were siblings to each other. But there is not only such a family connection: the mother, according to parallel passages in the Scriptures, is Salome, and she, in turn, was the sister of Mary (the mother of Jesus). This means that James and John were cousins of Jesus. Together with his brother, Andrew and Peter, Jacob earned money by fishing. It was difficult to call them poor fishermen - things were so good that sometimes they had to hire hired workers.
James, along with Peter and John, were so dear to Jesus that they were present where the rest were not invited by the Teacher: his transfiguration, at night in Gethsemane and at the resurrection of Jairus’s daughter. In addition, it was James and the above three apostles who were interested in how to recognize “ last days”, about which the Messiah spoke. Jacob had a heightened sense of justice: for the hospitality not shown by the Samaritans, he offered to lower fire from heaven. However, his hot temper did not allow him to put up with his brother’s shortcomings, which often led to disputes. In 44 AD he died. By order of Herod, he was pierced with a sword.
Apostle John, son of Zebedee
As already mentioned, in the names of the 12 apostles of Christ, two are mentioned all the time together: James next to John. Jesus often called the brothers “Boanegres,” which is Aramaic for “sons of thunder.” They participated in the disciples' disputes about which of them was in charge, and among themselves they both wanted to take an honorable place next to Jesus in the Kingdom. John, most likely, was younger than Jacob, since his name is always written second, but he believed in the Teacher no less. He knew the Hebrew Scriptures well, as he and Andrew publicly confirmed that Jesus was the Messiah.
After leading the Supper, Jesus assigned John the care of his mother, which was a special honor. He was the first to see Jesus after the resurrection: having overtaken Peter, John was the first to be at the crypt, and then saw him more than once. In his Gospel he does not call himself by name, but speaks of himself as the beloved disciple of the Messiah, and this is not without reason. He outlived all the apostles, as Jesus predicted, and at the age of 70 was exiled to the island of Patmos. There he saw the Revelation, and after his release he wrote three letters. By character he was an energetic and courageous person, which was evident when he overtook Peter at the crypt and spoke before the Sanhedrin. In the Gospel he wrote a lot about the importance of love, but it is difficult to call John weak-willed for this.
Apostle Philip
The names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ contain one Greek name- Philip. When Jesus called him, he immediately ran after Bartholomew. His subsequent words showed that he and Bartholomew were intensely studying the Scriptures and, after Philip saw that the prophecies were being fulfilled, he ran to his friend. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem, the Greeks really wanted to see him. Perhaps it was Philip’s Greek name, or simply the fact that he was the first to catch the eye of the Greeks, that led them to ask him for the opportunity to see the Teacher.
He participated in resolving the issue of the hungry crowd, although the apostle's tact, prudence and foresight began to appear even earlier. The contrast between Peter's sometimes thoughtless simplicity and Philip's qualities is especially noticeable. This shows that it does not matter what the character of the disciples was, the main thing is their faith and attitude towards the teachings.
Apostle Bartholomew
His middle name may have been Nathanael. It is noteworthy that almost all the time in the list of names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ in order, Philip is mentioned next to Bartholomew. After Philip told him about Jesus, he expressed disbelief that the Nazarene should be the Messiah. But after that, I went. Such doubts could only be expressed by someone who knows the Scriptures and understands what he is saying. The words may sound like prejudice against another people, but Jesus regarded them differently. He called Bartholomew “a man in whom there is no guile.” The words of doubt spoken by him earlier only confirmed that the future apostle had no intention of hiding information or being cunning.
Nathanael was with Jesus all the time until his death. After the resurrection, the Messiah appeared to them and again called on them to tell others what they had seen. Why? When Jesus died, the disciples returned to their work. Nathanael returned to fishing, as did six others. He did not interfere, but listened carefully when Christ spoke to Peter.
Apostle Thomas
Thomas, one of the 12 apostles of Christ, had a name that meant “twin.” Many people only know about this apostle that he was called an “unbeliever.” He did tend to be quick to express disapproval or doubt due to lack of information. But what about the positive qualities? For example, when Lazarus died and Jesus was going to Judea to resurrect him, Thomas said to the disciples: “Come and we will die with him.” His fears were not unfounded: before this, they had tried to stone Jesus there and returning meant exposing himself to great danger. For safety, he wanted to encourage the other disciples to follow Jesus.
When the rumor spread that Christ had risen, Thomas said that he would not believe anyone until he was convinced personally. Later, he was given such an opportunity, and his faith could not be called weak.
Apostle Matthew
An interesting episode was with Matthew, also one of the 12 apostles of Christ, who was a tax collector by profession. When Jesus called him, Matthew held a feast for the occasion. But the invited guests were not noble people, but those whom the Pharisees called sinners and other tax collectors. From here began the grumbling of the Pharisees and dissatisfaction with the fact that a person who talks about God sits with worthless people.
Matthew's middle name was Levi, and it was he who wrote the first Gospel. He calls the 12 apostles of Christ by name. Matthew gives the list first, and then others follow in this order. He traced the genealogy of Christ, paying attention to the line of Joseph. Then he saw the ascension of Jesus and was present at the outpouring of the holy spirit on the apostles.
Apostle James, son of Alpheus
The list of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ gives another name - James, but not the brother of John, but the second. He was the son of Alpheus, and so often two students with the same names were distinguished: in the story about John's brother it was specified that the father was Zebedee, and about the son of Alpheus - that he was his. Interestingly, Alpheus is considered the same person as Klopas. And Mark in his Gospel says that Mary, who later came with Magdalene and Salome to Jesus in the crypt, was the wife of Clopas. It can be assumed that she was the mother of Jacob.
Another clarification that the Gospels give is also due to the fact that the two apostles had the same names. Jacob is called "the least." Why? Perhaps it was precisely because he was smaller than the other Jacob, or simply younger. There is no exact confirmation.
Apostle Thaddeus
When the names of the 12 apostles of Christ are listed, Thaddeus may not be heard, but another, more common name is heard - Judas. Apparently, such an address was invented so as not to be confused about who should listen now: Judas Iscariot or Thaddeus. Often, to avoid confusion, the Scriptures specify “son of Jacob,” which makes it clear who his father is and who he is talking about.
It is interesting that in places like Mark 3:18 and Matthew 10:3, where the apostles are listed, James and Thaddeus are preceded by an “and.” This suggests that they were friendly and often preferred each other's company. However, there is no more precise information. He was not as energetic as Peter, and therefore few of his words are given in the Gospels. After the death of Jesus, he wrote a letter to the anointed ones, where he spoke about the influence on people who did not love the teachings of Jesus. The letter also contains the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ in order. In it, he clarified how important it is to nourish faith precise knowledge. The letter contains only one chapter and reminds readers how to distinguish such people from those who want to act in accordance with the teachings of Jesus.
Apostle Simon the Canaanite
The names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ contain the name that Peter bore, but with a different “last name,” so to speak. This nickname distinguished Simon from Peter, so that there would be no confusion in the presentation and when personally addressing the apostles. Presumably, Simon belonged to the Zealots. This is a Jewish political party that sought to overthrow the Roman Emperor in particular and Roman rule in general. However, when Simon left the political party and joined Jesus, he was an active apostle.
Thus, the names of the 12 apostles of Jesus Christ, stated in order, contain several names that sound the same. But it was for his service during Jesus’ life on earth and after his death that Simon was recognized as “zealous,” and this word soon became an additional designation to understand which of the Simons was spoken of in a certain place in the Bible.
Apostle Judas Iscariot
The only apostle from Judea, son of Simon. Didn't Jesus see who he was appointing as one of the 12 apostles? No, he saw it. Although many people know about this man only that he later betrayed Jesus, he still had positive qualities at the beginning of his ministry. Apparently, the other disciples and Jesus himself trusted him so much that they gave the common money, although Matthew was a tax collector and would have treated them no worse. This means that everyone knew Judas as a reliable, educated person who knew his business. It was 32 AD. Jesus sent the disciples to tell others what they themselves had recently learned. After his return, Jesus corrects Judas, although he does not name him. About then the Master tells the apostles that “there is a slanderer among them.”
His actions were not predetermined - Judas had a choice about how to act. However, during all the time spent with Christ, Judas did not improve, and Jesus saw this. After Mary anointed Jesus with expensive oil and Judas reproached her for it, the teacher corrected everyone who thought like this apostle. Being already a thief (he took money from the common treasury), he betrayed Jesus for the price that is usually paid for a slave. After the act of Judas, the list of 12 apostles of Jesus Christ became incomplete. Who replaced Judas?
Apostle Matthias
After the betrayal of Judas, the number of disciples decreased and apostasy began. To prevent further spread of incorrect teachings, it was decided to replace Judas. So, the answer to the question of how many apostles Jesus Christ had is 12, not 11, taking into account the departure of Judas. The choice was made by lot, since two people were suitable for this role according to serious requirements: to be a disciple of Christ, to personally see miracles, the resurrection and to talk with Jesus. The lot fell on Matthias.
So it gradually became clear not only what the names of the 12 apostles of Christ are, but also what their characters, professions, and characteristics of each are. The apostles followed Jesus' command to tell others about him and were rewarded for it. Later, when entire meetings of students were organized, they helped settle disagreements and solve important issues.
In almost every world religion, in addition to the figure of the messenger of God or the prophet, there are a number of people who helped spread the faith. In Christianity, such people are the apostles, for whose veneration the corresponding icon of the 12 apostles is used, which depicts the closest disciples of Christ, the great preachers of the Christian faith.
In Greek, the word apostle means messenger, that is, it indicates the main activity of these people. They were sent by Christ to spread his faith throughout the entire earth.
The apostles began preaching after the Resurrection of Christ, and not immediately, but after Pentecost, when they received the gifts of the Holy Spirit.
Who became the apostles
In fact, the group of Christ’s disciples did not form immediately. Even after meeting the Savior, many of the apostles continued to fish and left their activities only after the miracles that He showed. Now they have become "fishers of men" rather than fishers.
In addition to the formed group of 12 closest disciples, there was another group of 70 apostles. They divided into pairs, and each had a free choice of country for preaching.
The closest students, in turn, were endowed with great tasks, but also great opportunities. In order for them to be able to preach in pagan countries, the Lord gave them not only perseverance, but also the opportunity to show various miracles and spread grace. In this way the apostles were able to strengthen their faith ordinary people and attract them to the true faith.
Names of the 12 holy apostles
Let's briefly talk about each of the 12 apostles depicted on the icon.
- Peter. He became the first Roman bishop and was crucified upside down in Rome. He preached throughout the countries of the East and Asia Minor, as well as in Britain.
- Andrew the First-Called. It is especially valuable for residents of Russia, since he preached in this territory, as well as in Macedonia, Thrace and Byzantium. Peter's brother. Crucified in Patras on an X-shaped cross.
- Jacob Zavedeev. He is the brother of John the Evangelist and preached in Spain. Killed by the sword in Jerusalem.
- John the Theologian. The only apostle who died peacefully from old age. Author of the famous revelation, evangelist.
- Philip. He preached throughout the territories of Arabia and Ethiopia, Greece and Phrygia, where he was crucified upside down.
- Bartholomew. He kept Philip company on his travels, also traveled to India and Armenia, where he was also crucified and also upside down; in addition, the pagans carefully tore off his skin. The relics are partially located in Rome.
- Thomas. The same one whom Christ strengthened in faith preached in Parthia, Media, Persia, India, where he was pierced with spears and left the mortal world. Some of the relics remained in India, the city of Edessa, the rest in Hungary and Constantinople.
- Matthew. He is the first evangelist, preached throughout the lands of Syria and Macedonia, was crucified in Africa, after which he was burned and probably eaten by cannibals.
- Jacob Alfeev. He is the brother of Matthew, preached in Palestine, Judea, Edessa, Gaza and Egypt, where he was crucified.
- Judas Jacob. He is a brother of Christ, preached in the territory of the modern Middle East. Crucified and pierced with arrows in Armenia.
- Simon Zelot. He preached in North Africa and Abkhazia, where he was crucified on the cross.
- Matthias. He replaced Judas Iscariot, who, for obvious reasons, was excluded from the number of apostles. He preached in Macedonia, Colchis and Judea, where he was stoned.
As you can see, only the only one of those included in the composition of the icon of the holy apostles completed his earthly journey peacefully. The rest were mocked and martyred like Christ. Nevertheless, as Christian sources testify, each apostle fulfilled his own work with dignity.
Additionally, it should be noted that Paul (Saul) is not seen either among the 12 or among the 70 apostles. However, it refers to to the supreme apostles(along with Peter) and was called to serve by Christ himself after the Resurrection.
The meaning of the icon of Jesus Christ and the 12 Apostles
The iconographic image includes the very first Christian ascetics; it was thanks to these people that other believers learned about the path to Salvation. In addition to this, they simply did a lot of good on earth and helped people, demonstrating the ideals of philanthropy and meekness. Therefore, the significance of these individuals and the prayer before the icon of the twelve apostles for every Orthodox Christian was and remains very significant.
According to its significance, the icon of the 12 apostles helps in reconciliation between people and healing of ailments. In addition, the apostles are also considered protectors from evil spirits.
Prayer before the icon of the 12 apostles
Almighty Master, Lord our God, who chose His beloved disciples and Apostles to preach salvation to the whole world, giving them the power to forgive sins, accept their petitions for the human race, and judge with them, those same ones who are Your friends, who are very honest to us, We dare, in our unworthiness, to bring you into intercession, which will greatly advance the salvation of our souls, praying for them earnestly.
Holy Chief Apostles Peter and Paul, Evangelists of Christ John the Theologian and Matthew, First-Called Disciple Andrew, who blessed Russia with the planting of the Cross, Holy Apostles James, the brother of the Lord, with the other James, Philip, Bartholomew, Thomas, Simon, Judas and Matthias!
All holy apostles of God's choice, most noble servants of Christ, eradicators of godlessness and planters of the true faith, help us through your powerful intercession before the Lord to get rid of all evil and enemy flattery, to firmly preserve the Orthodox faith devoted to you, in which, through your intercession, neither wounds, nor rebuke, nor pestilence, we will not be belittled by any wrath from the Creator, but let us live a peaceful life here and may we be honored to see good things on the land of the living, glorifying the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, the one God glorified and worshiped in the Trinity, now and ever and unto the ages of ages. Amen.
Matt. X, 1-4:1 And calling His twelve disciples, He gave them power over unclean spirits, to cast them out and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. 2 And the names of the twelve apostles are these: first Simon, called Peter, and Andrew his brother, James Zebedee and John his brother, 3 Philip and Bartholomew, Thomas and Matthew the publican, James Alphaeus and Levbeus, called Thaddeus, 4 Simon the Canaanite and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him.
Mk. III, 13-19:13 Then he went up to the mountain and called to Him whomever He wanted; and came to Him. 14 And he set from them twelve to be with Him and to send them to preach, 15 and so that they would have power to heal diseases and cast out demons; 16 put Simon, calling his name Peter, 17 James Zebedee, and John the brother of James, calling them Boanerges, that is, “sons of thunder,” 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James Alpheus, Thaddeus, Simon the Canaanite, 19 and Judas Iscariot who betrayed Him.
OK. VI, 12-16:12 In those days He went up to the mountain to pray and spent the whole night in prayer to God. 13 When the day had come, he called his disciples and chose twelve of them, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother, James and John, Philip and Bartholomew, 15 Matthew and Thomas, James Alpheus and Simon, called the Zealot, 16 Judas Jacob and Judas Iscariot, who later became a traitor.
A Guide to Studying the Four Gospels
Prot. Seraphim Slobodskaya (1912-1971).
Based on the book “The Law of God”, 1957.
Election of the Apostles
(Matt. X, 2-14; Mark III, 13-19; Luke VI, 12-16; VIII, 1-3)
Gradually the number of disciples of Jesus Christ increased. Once, while in Galilee, Jesus Christ ascended a mountain to pray and spent the whole night in prayer. When the day came, He called His disciples, chose twelve of them and called them apostles, that is, messengers, since He sent them to preach His teaching.
The names of the twelve apostles are as follows:
1. Simon, whom the Savior called Peter.
2. Andrew, brother of Simon Peter, called the First Called.
3. Jacob Zebedee.
4. John Zebedee, brother of James, called the Theologian. For their fiery zeal, the Savior called these two brothers, James and John, Boanerges, which means sons of thunder.
5. Philip.
6. Nathanael, son of Tholomew, and therefore called Bartholomew.
7. Thomas, also called Didymus, which means twin.
8. Matthew, otherwise Levi, a former publican.
9. Jacob, son of Alpheus (otherwise Cleopas), called lesser in contrast to Jacob of Zebedee.
10. Simon, nicknamed Canaanite, otherwise Zealot, which means zealot.
11. Judas Jacob, he also bore other names: Leveya and Thaddeus.
12. Judas Iscariot (from the city of Kariota), who later betrayed Jesus Christ.
The Lord gave the apostles the power to heal the sick, cast out demons and raise the dead.
In addition to these twelve main apostles, Jesus Christ later chose seventy more apostles: Mark, Luke, Cleopas and others. He also sent them to preach.
When the seventy apostles returned from preaching, they joyfully said to Jesus Christ: “Lord! and the demons obey us in Your name.”
He said to them: “Rejoice not in this, that the spirits obey you; but rejoice that your names are written in heaven,” that is, rejoice not in the miracles that are given to you for preaching, but rejoice in the fact that you will receive bliss and eternal life with God, in the Kingdom of Heaven.
In addition to the disciples, some women who were healed by Jesus and served Him with their property were constantly accompanying Jesus Christ: Mary Magdalene (from the city of Magdala), from whom Jesus cast out seven demons, Joanna, the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, Susanna and many others.
Archbishop Averky (Taushev) (1906-1976)
A Guide to Studying the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament. Four Gospels. Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, 1954.
6. Election of the Twelve Apostles
(Matt. X, 2-4; Mark III, 13-19; Luke VI, 12-16)
Having spent the whole night in prayer, undoubtedly for the establishment of the Church that He founded, on the mountain, according to the ancients, on Tabor, the Lord called His disciples and chose 12 of them, so that they would constantly be with Him and could then testify about Him. These were, as it were, the leaders of the new future 12 tribes of the New Israel. The number 12 has a significant meaning in the Holy Scriptures, as the product of 3 and 4: Three is the eternal uncreated Being of God, four is the number of the world - 4 countries of the world. The number 12 denotes the penetration of the human and the world by the Divine. The first three Evangelists and the book. Acts gives us a list of the names of the 12 Apostles. What is remarkable about this list is that the Apostles are divided everywhere into three groups of 4 people each, and at the head of each group are the same names and the same persons are in each group. The names of the Apostles are as follows: 1) Simon-Peter, 2) Andrew, 3) James, 4) John, 5) Philip, b) Bartholomew, 7) Thomas, 8) Matthew, 9) James Alphaeus, 10) Levway or Thaddeus, as called Judas Jacob, 11) Simon the Canaanite or Zealot and 12) Judas Iscariot. Bartholomew is the same as Ev. John calls Nathanael: Canaanite is the translation into Hebrew. language from the Greek word "Zealot", which means "zealot". This was the name of the Jewish party, which was jealous of the independence of the Jewish state. The word “Iscariot” is considered to be composed of two words: “Ish” - husband and “Kariot” - the name of the city. The very word “Apostle” translated from Greek means “messenger,” which corresponded to the appointment of the elect to be sent to preach. For greater success of their preaching, the Lord invested them with the power to heal diseases and cast out demons.
A. V. Ivanov (1837-1912)
A Guide to Studying the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament. Four Gospels. St. Petersburg, 1914.
Election of the Apostles
(Mark 3:13-19; Luke 6:12-16, Matt. 101-4)
After many miracles and long-term teaching, Jesus Christ chooses 12 disciples from among His permanent followers, whom He calls Apostles. Before choosing them, He spent the whole night in prayer. The names of the Apostles according to the lists of the three Gospels and the Book of Acts (1:13) are as follows: Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, the sons of Jonah, James and John - the sons of Zebedee, Philip and Bartholomew (otherwise called, as they guess, Nathanael), Matthew, or Levi Alpheus, a publican and, it seems, his brother Jacob Alpheus (the younger), as well as Thomas the twin, Judas Jacob, called Levway and Thaddeus, Simon the Zealot or Canaanite, and Judas Iscariot, who later became a traitor to his Teacher.
1. The twelve-decimal number of the Apostles obviously relates to the number of the 12 tribes of Israel (Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30) = Rev. 21:12,14). The title Apostle was supposed to mean their Divine messenger and in this sense is applied to Jesus Christ Himself primarily (Heb. 3:1).
2. The difference in the order in which the names of the Apostles appear in different Evangelists and even in the same Luke (Luke 6:13-16; Acts 1:13) proves that there was no strict distinction between the disciples of Jesus Christ seniority; and the difference in the names of some of them is explained by the custom of having several names and changing them on important occasions in life (=Abram - Abraham, Jacob - Israel, Esau - Edom, Solomon - Jedde, etc.).
3. At the same time, it can be noted that in all the verses of the Apostles, those seven disciples are first written in, whose calling is described in the Gospels. Only Matthew for some reason puts Thomas before himself, although Thomas’s calling is not mentioned anywhere.
4. Upon closer examination of the lists of the Apostles, we can note the following:
a) Simon, son of Jonah, from Bethsaida of Galilee, was called by Jesus Peter, or Cephas (in Syrian), which means stone. He is always first in the list of Apostles: but this did not give him primacy of honor and power over the other Apostles. He was in the same relation to all the Apostles as each of them was to his subsequent ones.
b) His brother Andrew, who was at first a disciple of the Forerunner, is called the First-Called, as the first called by Jesus Christ to follow (John 1:41).
c) James and John, the sons of Thunder - boanerges (in Syriac, Mark 3:17), enjoyed the special love of Jesus Christ and, together with Peter, were among His closest disciples and collaborators on the most important occasions of His life. They probably received the name sons of thunder for their jealousy (Luke 9:54). Their mother Salome, according to legend, was the daughter of Joseph the Betrothed, and therefore the sister of Jesus Christ in the flesh; it seems that she was also a companion of Jesus Christ. At least she appears at His burial. And first of all, she asks Jesus Christ to seat her sons on both sides of His Throne during the opening of His kingdom. John calls himself the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, he reclined on His chest at the last supper and, standing at the Cross, was adopted by the Mother of God.
d) Of the other Apostles, James Alpheus or the little one also draws attention, whom many confuse with James, the brother of the Lord, although he was never counted among the 12 and, according to legend, was the son not of Alpheus or Cleopas, but of Joseph the Betrothed from his first wife . His nickname small or junior was given to him in contrast to Jacob Zebedee.
e) Judas, in all likelihood, is the son of some Jacob, and not the brother of Jacob Alpheus. Other names of Judah - Thaddeus and Levway - consider the first Chaldean, the other - Judean.
f) About Simon it was noted that he was called a Canaanite, perhaps a Canaanite, or rather a resident of Cana; His other nickname, Zealot, is probably a translation of the name Canaanite, that is, zealot. During the last Jewish war, the Zealot party was known - but it hardly existed at the time of Jesus Christ.
f) Judas Iscariot (in Jewish Ishkariot), a husband from Kariot, a small city in the tribe of Judah (Joshua 15:25, according to the Russian text - Kiriath, in Slavic city). But some derive the name Iscariot from the Syrian word scariuta, which means husband, or keeper of the box, treasurer, as indicated by the Evangelist John (12:6; 13:29).
5. Examining the lists of the Apostles and paying attention to the indications of their places of origin, we can notice that all of them - with the exception of Judas the traitor - were Galileans, residents of a country despised by the Jews, as if to prove that God chose the world, and the wise God has chosen the weak and weak things of the world, and God has chosen the weak things that are not, so that they may bring to naught the things that are (1 Cor. 1:27,28). Judas Iscariot was one of Judea - from that tribe that was most proud of the purity of blood, although the prophet Daniel also said that even the elders among them were not Jews, but the sons of Ham (13:56; Ezek. 13:3,46) - and shunned all communication with the pagan Samaritans and even the Galileans.
And he became a traitor to his Teacher - thus being, both by name and by his relationship to Jesus, the representative of his people, who betrayed their Messiah to death and was therefore rejected by God.
6. Jesus chooses the 12 Apostles not immediately after their entry into His company, but after a whole year of them following Him and testing their disposition, and therefore, after they themselves had matured the determination to follow the Galilean Teacher and share with Him His works and dangers. True, even after being elected to the 12, for a long time they could not renounce the prejudices and deceptive aspirations inherent to their people regarding the kingdom of the Messiah; but under the influence of the teachings of Christ and seeing the increasingly intensifying enmity of the leaders of the people towards Jesus, they little by little got used to the idea of the possibility of the death He predicted and prepared to share His fate with Him (John 11:16; Matt. 26:35 ; Mark 14:31).
A closer acquaintance with the character of the Apostles chosen by Jesus shows that each of them was distinguished by some special trait of virtue necessary for the future preacher and co-worker with Christ in the Church He created on Earth. Thus, Peter was distinguished by the firmness of his faith; Jacob was jealous and ardent, as can be seen from the fact that he and his brother John
called the son of thunder and the first of the 12 to suffer martyrdom (Acts 12:2).
John, in addition to his ardor, was distinguished by his especially tender love for his Teacher and deep insight into the mysteries of the Kingdom of God. Bartholomew (Nathanael) - with simplicity of heart, Philip with friendliness, Matthew with selflessness and meekness; Thomas - prudent caution; Andrei - like his brother Peter - was distinguished by firmness and courage, which is why - probably - his former name was left unchanged for him (Andrei - means courageous).
Unfortunately, neither the Gospels nor the traditions have preserved for us detailed and complete information about the life and activities of the other Apostles; but there is no doubt that all of them, except for Judas Iscariot, were distinguished by their zeal in spreading the message, devotion and obedience to their Teacher and self-sacrifice. These traits of their character were known to Jesus and served as the main incentive for Him to choose them among His closest disciples and friends.
7. The election of Judas among the 12 Apostles showed that this disciple had many good qualities that made him worthy of the face of the Apostle: he did not leave Jesus even at a time when many, tempted by His teaching, left Him (John. 6:66); he shared with his Teacher the needs and deprivations (Matthew 19:27); he, along with others, was sent to preach in Israel and was awarded the gift of healing and casting out demons (Matthew 10:5,8). Unfortunately, the good qualities and works of this Apostle were darkened and destroyed by the passion of love of money, which led him to complete destruction. It is precisely this passion, and not some secret antagonism between him, as a Jew, and the other Apostles - like the Galileans - that the Evangelist John explains why Judas became a traitor to Jesus (John 12:6).
8. Did Jesus Christ foresee the betrayal of Judas? And if he foresaw, then why did he choose him among the Apostles? The evangelists leave no doubt that Jesus did not demand, but who testifies about men: He Himself knew what was in man (John 2:25), and therefore often penetrated into the hearts and thoughts of His listeners - and was even more able to comprehend the inclinations of His closest disciples and foresee their actions (Matthew 26:31-35).
The very election of the Apostles was made by Jesus already in the second year of His ministry - that is, after His disciples had become sufficiently familiar with His teaching and were prepared for the work for which they were chosen - and it was done after the long and, without a doubt, fervent prayer of the God-Man to the Heavenly Father.
If, despite all this, the son of destruction was also included in the ranks of the Apostles, then, as some guess, this was allowed by the Heavenly Father, according to some special design, so that the cross of Calvary, which He was destined to bear one day, would not leave Him entirely. life and was before His eyes in the person of one of His closest disciples and companions.
The presence of this disciple close to the God-man should have pulled out from His loving heart His painful cries to the Heavenly Father both for the cup of suffering awaiting Him to pass by and for the salvation of the perishing son (John 17:12); the presence of Judas with Jesus was, as it were, a double-edged weapon that penetrated the heart of Jesus and outraged His joy, which he experienced from the faith of the disciples and the conversion of sinners.
- (Greek apostle άπόστολος, “messenger”), in Christian traditions, the “collegium” of his closest disciples chosen by Jesus Christ, which formed the core of the early Christian community. List of D. a. (often they are simply called “twelve” or “disciples”) is given... ... Encyclopedia of Mythology
- (Greek apostle “messenger”), the “collegium” chosen by Jesus Christ of His closest disciples, which formed the core of the early Christian community. A list of D.A. (often called simply “the twelve” or “disciples”) is given in the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew 10:2... Encyclopedia of Cultural Studies
In Christian legends, the college of his closest disciples, chosen by Jesus Christ, formed the core of the early Christian community. According to the Gospel, these are brothers Peter (Simon) and Andrew, brothers James the Elder and John the Theologian, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew... Historical Dictionary
Twelve Apostles- Icon of the Twelve Apostles by Byzantine master, 1st half. 14th century Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin. Icon of the Twelve Apostles by Byzantine master, 1st half. 14th century Museum of Fine Arts named after A.S. Pushkin. Twelve… … encyclopedic Dictionary"The World History"
Twelve Apostles- (Christian) - twelve chosen disciples of Jesus Christ, who accompanied him on his travels and formed the core of the first Christian community. These are brothers Peter and Andrew, brothers James the Elder and John the Theologian, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew the Publican, Thomas,... ... Mythological Dictionary
twelve apostles- see apostle... Popular dictionary of the Russian language
TWELVE APOSTLES- see Apostles... Orthodox Encyclopedia
The Twelve Apostles (battleship, 1841) “The Twelve Apostles” ... Wikipedia
- “The Twelve Apostles” I.K. Aivazovsky “The Ship “The Twelve Apostles”” Basic information Type ... Wikipedia
- “The Twelve Apostles” Basic information Type Barbet armadillo ... Wikipedia
Books
- Battleship "Twelve Apostles". Flagship of Admiral Lazarev
- Battleship "Twelve Apostles". Flagship of Admiral Lazarev, Galina Grebenshchikova. This 120-gun battleship of the 1st rank is called the “swan song of the sailing fleet.” It was immortalized on eight canvases by I.K. Aivazovsky (no other ship was painted by the great marine painter...